Make hot honey at home in just 10 minutes with fresh or dried chili peppers. Adjust the heat from mild jalapeño to scorching Carolina Reaper, exactly to your level. Better than store-bought and incredibly easy. Perfect on pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, and more.
Homemade Hot Honey
If you like a bit of "sweet" with your heat, Hot Honey is going to be a new wonderful surprise. Many people like their sweets, but when you're a chilihead like me, even those need a little blast of warmth to fully satisfy.
When you douse hot sauce on pretty much anything, there's nothing like a bit of heat infusion to kick things up a notch.
That's exactly what this hot honey recipe is - an infusion. Like many other liquids, honey can be infused with all sorts of different ingredients and flavors.
It lends itself to many different things, though, being me, I am partial to chili peppers. Of course.
You've probably heard of brands like Mike's Hot Honey. It's great to buy some at the grocery store, but it's also fun to make it on your own, and so much fresher.
Let's talk about how to make hot honey at home, shall we?
Hot Honey Ingredients
- Chili Peppers. You can use either fresh hot peppers or dried hot peppers or hot chili flakes to make hot honey. You can use any spicy chili peppers to your preferred heat level.
- Honey. Use your favorite brand. Works with any types of honey.
- Vinegar. I prefer apple cider vinegar for its tangy flavor. Vinegar is optional, but it does help for longer keeping.
How to Make Hot Honey - the Recipe Method
Add the peppers and honey to a small saucepan or pot. Heat to medium low heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse them with the pepper flavor and heat. You can simmer longer if you'd like. Do not allow the honey to boil.
This recipe works with fresh chili peppers or with hot chili flakes or other dried hot peppers.
Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar (if using). If using fresh peppers, strain the honey into a jar through a fine mesh strainer. If using dried peppers, strain only if desired.
Cool and store in an airtight glass container. Makes 1 cup.
Use as needed. It's wonderfully sweet and spicy.
BOOM! Your hot honey is ready to serve! It's very easy to make. I love easy. Go and make yourself some spicy honey! I know you want to.
Recipe Notes & Tips
You can also make hot honey with either dried OR fresh peppers. It works either way. Crushed red pepper flakes are easy to find. I used a combination of crushed chili flakes and fresh pods.
Adjust the Heat Level. You can easily use fewer peppers for a milder infusion, or use hotter peppers to really bring the heat.
Also, consider adding a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Save the Fresh Peppers. It is best to strain out fresh peppers for safe keeping. You can use these hot peppers for deserts or cocktails, as they are essentially "candied" or "honeyed", and quite delicious.
Hot honey made with dried peppers and chili flakes can remain unstrained. The choice is yours if you'd prefer to strain it for a smoother honey.
Best Chili Peppers for Making Hot Honey
I used both fresh habanero peppers and spicy dried red peppers for my infusion, Hawaiian Hots in particular. I like them for their heat and flavor.
However, you can use any type of chili pepper you'd like to make hot honey. Try making it with milder peppers, like jalapenos or mid levels like cayennes or serranos for less heat. If you'd like some REALLY SPICY hot honey, make this with either fresh or dried ghost peppers, 7 Pot peppers, Trinidad scorpion peppers, or even the Carolina Reaper.
Talk about some heat. Habaneros will give you a good level of heat, though. Be warned.
What To Serve with Hot Honey?
Hot honey is outstanding on many different dishes. Here is list of ideas you might try:
- Fried chicken. This is a favorite for many people. Drizzle a bit of your spicy honey over freshly fried chicken and you'll fall in love with it.
- Chicken and Waffles. Spoon it over chicken and waffles for some added kick, or oven fried or baked chicken wings for a pop of sweet heat. Hot honey wings are delicious!
- Seafood. This is my personal favorite. Think of recipes like Hot Honey Salmon or Hot Honey Glazed Shrimp. Drizzle it onto seared scallops or use it as a dipping sauce.
- Vegetables. Grilled, pan seared, roasted, steamed, it doesn't matter. Try Hot Honey Roasted Carrots or Hot Honey Roasted Pumpkin.
- Biscuits & Cornbread. Match made in heaven right here. Drizzle on these jalapeno-cheddar biscuits or jalapeno cornbread.
- Ice Cream. Drizzle a little over the top of a scoop of vanilla. Wonderful.
- Cocktails. Use it anywhere you'd use regular honey. Consider pairing it with whiskey or making a hot toddy. So many ways you can go with this.
- Honey Mustard. Swirl a bit of your hot honey with a spicy mustard, and you have a homemade spicy honey-mustard.
- Protein Shakes. Squirt in a teaspoon so it doesn't taste like cardboard. They often lack flavor.
- Hot Water with Lemon and Honey. There are health benefits to this concoction. Why not add the benefit of extra zing?
Think of it as an easy finishing sauce, but also a simple glaze, like my hot honey glazed ham recipe. Or as your very own honey hot sauce. Try it with my candied bacon recipe. YUM.
Storing Hot Honey
Store hot honey in a sealed glass jar or container at room temperature in a cool, dark place. A pantry is ideal. It will last 3 months or longer this way.
You can store it in the refrigerator, but it may become crystalized. If this happens, gently warm the hot honey in a water bath or in the microwave to loose it up.
Hot honey made with fresh peppers is more perishable, and should be stored in the refrigerator. Hot honey made with dried peppers can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for 3 months or longer.
That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your spicy hot honey. Go ahead and whip up a batch and fill some bottles. They make great gifts, too.
I love this stuff. Enjoy!
This Recipe Is In our Cookbook - FLAVOR MADNESS
Did you know that you can find this recipe in our new cookbook FLAVOR MADNESS? It's waiting for you on PAGE 87.
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons hot chili flakes (or use crushed dried chilies, or 1-2 fresh hot chilies, sliced)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Add the peppers and honey to a small pot. Heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse them with the pepper flavor and heat. Do not allow the honey to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar (if using). If using fresh peppers, strain the honey into a jar. If using dried peppers, strain only if desired.
- Cool and store in an airtight glass container. Makes 1 cup.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey that's been infused with fresh or dried chili peppers to create a sweet and spicy condiment. It's wildly versatile as a drizzle, a glaze, a dipping sauce, or anywhere you'd normally reach for plain honey but want a kick of heat.
What's the difference between hot honey and chili honey?
They are the same thing. Hot honey, chili honey, chilli honey, and spicy honey all refer to the same pepper-infused condiment. The name just varies by region. "Chilli honey" is more common in the UK and Australia, while "hot honey" is common in the US.
Can I make hot honey without vinegar?
Absolutely. Vinegar adds a slight tang and helps extend shelf life, but the recipe works perfectly without it. If you skip it, your honey may be slightly sweeter and will still taste fantastic.
How long does hot honey last?
Hot honey made with dried peppers or chili flakes will keep for 3 months or longer stored in an airtight glass jar at room temperature in a cool, dark spot. Hot honey made with fresh peppers is more perishable. Store that version in the refrigerator. If it crystallizes, just gently warm it up and it'll loosen right back up.
Can I make hot honey in the microwave?
Yes. For a quick version, combine your honey and chili flakes in a microwave-safe glass and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. No stovetop required. This method works best with dried peppers or flakes, not fresh.
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 3/28/26 to include new information and FAQs. The recipe itself was not changed.
Deborah R says
Easy to make and awesome hot honey. Made mine with crushed red chili flakes. I didn't totally strain it. It was just hot enough for hubby, but I want more heat. Next I will try it habanero peppers! I served this batch on the side with our hot wings and it was so good! I plan on making some batches to give to my heat lovin' friends at Christmas! Thank you Mike for a recipe that is quick and so easy!
Mike Hultquist says
BOOM! Thanks so much, Deborah! VERY happy you both enjoyed it! Super helpful.
Roger Goode says
Thank you Mike! This was a great challenge for me. I used to be an amateur bee keeper and I still have several jars of honey left from my one successful harvest. I made the version with the hot chili flakes, as I just got my pepper plants into the garden and won’t have any fresh peppers until later in the summer. Unfortunately, I got distracted for a couple minutes and came back to find the honey was boiling. I thinkI caught it pretty quickly, but have I ruined it? What happens if the honey boils?
It still takes good, so I’ll go ahead and use it. And I’m already planning to make another batch in a few months when I have a supply of my own fresh hot peppers. Next time I’ll be a lot more careful to keep it from boiling… Promise!
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you like it, Roger! It should be OK if it didn't boil for long, but boiling can change the flavor and texture if it crystalizes or tastes burnt in any way. Thanks so much!
Nicole says
I made this yesterday with dinner and it was great! I used red chili flakes and a jalapeno. We put it on salmon and cornmeal biscuits. My husband went and put even more on his! I love that this can be saved for more meals in the future too.
Mike H. says
Thank you, Nicole - glad you are enjoying it!
Hosea McAdoo says
I made this right after reading with ingredients on hand. I used Habanero flakes with Fisher’s local raw honey, no vinegar and used the microwave to heat. I also allowed time to cool. Just wonderful on English muffins and toast also try vanilla ice cream and cake (maybe you have to be chili head).
Mike H. says
I love all of those combos, Hosea. Enjoy!
David Janikowski says
This hot honey turned out amazing! I used Carolina Reapers for the heat, so a little went a very long way. The honey balanced the intense spice beautifully, creating a sweet, fruity heat that builds gradually and lingers. I was careful not to overdo the peppers, and the result was hot but still flavorful rather than overwhelmingly spicy.
I didn't make any major changes to the recipe other than using Carolina Reapers and allowing them to steep a bit longer to fully infuse the honey. The flavor was much more complex and vibrant than any store-bought hot honey I've tried.
We've enjoyed it drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and even vanilla ice cream for a sweet-and-spicy treat. If you're using Carolina Reapers, start with less than you think you need—you can always add more heat, but you can't take it out. This recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves serious spice and bold flavor.
Mike H. says
Appreciate the review, David. And great job using the CR - enjoy!
Kip Hoover says
Love your recipies! Regarding hot honey: it's antibacterial. Why the need to refridgerate?
Thanks
Mike Hultquist says
Hey, Kip! Great question. Plain honey keeps well at room temperature, but fresh peppers add moisture and plant material, which changes things. I recommend refrigerating hot honey as a safety-first approach, especially if the peppers are left in.
NICHOLAS SHOSHOO says
Simple recipe that is completely customizable. I used a teaspoon of ground ghost pepper from my garden with one cup of local honey. Turned out WAY TOO HOT so I added another cup of honey and it became perfect for me, not so much for the wife. Great recipe. Highly recommend.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks for sharing this, Nicholas. Yes, it's VERY customizable in terms of heat preference. I appreciate you sharing this!
Karl Krause says
Wow this is so good! I used what I had on hand - clover honey, 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper, and apple cider vinegar (all store brands), and warmed in the microwave. I did not strain the dried pepper, and my initial taste test was wow that is way too hot. Several hours later I spread a small amount on some grilled pork chops - heat level was
way mellow , and the taste was great! Lots of variation and options to experiment with on future batches!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Karl! Glad you enjoyed it, and this is great info. Cheers!!
Carolyn says
So good. I use it on my grilled chicken. YUM!!!!! Great recipe. I am thinking a jar in my Christmas baskets with my homemade spice mixes.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Carolyn! Perfect Christmas gift for sure! I appreciate this!
Alex says
Talk about synchronicity, I'm having a cup of coffee with a bit of cream and a generous sqoosh of Mike's Xtra hot honey as I'm reading this⚡thanks for the great recipe. cheers!
Mike Hultquist says
Yes! Great way to enjoy it, Alex! Thanks so much for sharing!
Susan York says
I doubled the recipe and I use dried Arbol chilies. Cut the stem off & that lets the seeds pour out, about 25 of them, more if real small. Pretty hot!! BUT, I use 1/2 of it for hot honey syrup (strained)for drinks, dissolves better in my bourbon, lemon juice & hot honey syrup!!!!
Mike Hultquist says
Great way to use it, Susan! I need to make that cocktail for myself right now! Very nice. Thanks!
Robin Harryman says
Have made this and it's a great taste, works really well with sausages, bacon, pancakes maybe butter if you think your heart can stand it
Mike Hultquist says
Yes, thanks so much, Robin! VERY happy you enjoyed it!